Spring?

The last week our weather has been sunny and unseasonably mild even for southeast Texas. Highs in the 70's, lows in the 60's. The birds seem to be enjoying it, people are outside working in their yards, the numbers of walkers and joggers has increased in our neighborhood over the last week.

Later this week when our version of winter returns, I think many people will be disappointed. Winter is not over; though I love winter, I must admit the glimpse of spring buoyed my spirit and increased my joy.

The same thing happens when we put our trust in someone or something other than the Lord which is called idolatry; though we don't hear much about such a thing in many churches today. When we first trust in the idol, all seems well, then before we know it life is not good. In fact by the time we realize the someone or something was a false god, we are heading downhill at a high rate of speed about to crash into the bottom of a pit.

Climbing out of the pit is usually a long process. We are shattered emotionally, spiritually, and or physically when we begin our ascent from the pit. I ask you this to day to look closely at your life and see if any idols have crept in and replaced God. If so, repent and confess your sin to God. He is quick to forgive, according to PS 103 His anger is as far as the east is from the west.

The Bible also tells us: Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.

Paul writes: As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

Edith

A woman who made a big difference in my spiritual life died suddenly yesterday. Though she was older than my parents, in the back of my mind it is as if I thought she would be here for a few more decades.

Edith met my father at Christ Church Cathedral when he became a member. She met mom after my parents were married there and mom joined the church. Edith also took care of me in the nursery for 3 years at Christ Church. I used to joke she was 12 at the time.

In the 1970's we moved to Sugar Land and landed next door to her best friend. It was great catching up with her. In the early 1990's Edith became a member of my prayer team at church. She (along with April) was my prayer partner for years and years. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes at Calvary Episcopal Church for years. I learned much about serving the Lord from Edith.

She always had an encouraging word and a smile. Our joke was she would attend my annual New Year's coffee with bells on; she usually wore a jingle bell on a necklace or bracelet so she would not be a "liar".

Edith was such a part of our family, we asked her to sit with us at dad's funeral. It is hard to imagine an Easter Sunday without her, no more birthdays with a card from Edith, and no more Edith hugs.

I was blessed to have her in my life for so many years. I can only hope to be such a positive influence on younger sisters in Christ.

Goodbye Edith. I love you. I'll see you again.

In the Quiet

I am not a morning person. It does not matter if I sleep 2 hours or 8 hours, I am a zombie when I wake up each day. The first thing I do is head for the coffee pot and hope I do not sin before I walk into the kitchen. However, there is one thing I like about the morning. The quiet time in the Word and prayer before the man is awake and before our dog is awake and turbo charged for the day. (I am so thankful the dog sleeps late.)

As I wind up my quiet time, the Cardinals are beginning to sing, I hear Black Belly Tree Ducks as they fly over our house. Streaks of sunshine are beginning to make themselves seen in the morning sky, the moon is fading. I am always so aware of God in these small bits of nature.

I am thankful for this day. I hope I sense the presence of God through out the day and I am a good witness to Him and extend His love to all those whose paths I cross today.


Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Siesta Memory Verse 2

I cannot believe tomorrow is January 15 and it is time for another Siesta Scripture Memory Team verse! I continue on in John chapter 1, verse 4: In him was life, and the life was the light of men. (ESV)

I've fallen in the love with the ESV and decided to use it for memory work because I am not as familiar with it as I am some of the other translations. I use it to hand write books of the Bible as well. (There are are too many I's in this post.)

As American Christians we are able to freely buy Bibles and worship. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have the same luxury; many are in danger from radical members of other religions and or radical governments who oppose all religions. As I memorize Scripture this year; I hope I remember them.

Again, feel free to leave your verse/verses in a comment.

January 2013

It was exciting to view the Lproof.org blog and see the number of women committed to memorizing Scripture this year.

I am memorizing the 1st few verses of John 1 in the ESV this month. Hopefully by the end of the year; I will know the verses in the ESV and not combine the ESV, NIV, and KJV.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Feel free to leave your memory verses in a comment.